Planning Board OK’d $3.1B in projects last year

The Puerto Rico Planning Board approved dozens of projects proposed for different parts of the island.

The Puerto Rico Planning Board gave the go-ahead to more than $3.1 billion in location permits for residential and tourism-related development projects that are expected to generate more than 35,000 jobs and boost the economy, agency chief Rubén Flores- Marzán said Monday.

“These permit requests contribute to strengthen the construction sector and the island’s infrastructure in different geographical areas,” Flores-Marzán said.

In tourism, the approved location permit consults will generate 490 rooms in hotels to be built throughout the island. Furthermore, he said of the total number of permit requests approved, $367 million are directly related to renewable energy projects, which will create nearly 800 “green” jobs.

In a statement issued Monday, the agency summed up its activity during the 12-month period ended in December, which included at least a dozen mixed project proposals for residential, tourism and commercial projects, at least six renewable energy projects — including large-scale solar energy farms in Yabucoa, Guayama and Isabela — the construction of an Academic and Ambulatory Services Center in Gurabo and the installation of a power plant in Humacao.

“These investments highlight the work being done by the Government of Puerto Rico to strengthen our economy. The Planning Board is highly committed to being part of this administration’s effort to create jobs and strengthen the construction industry that will generate more economic activity in different sectors and geographic areas,” Flores-Marzán concluded.